Justice

In the United States our President claims to be a Christian. A Christian is a person who chooses to follow Christ. What does it mean to “Follow Christ”? Jesus acted differently than the “Religious” persons of the time. He taught forgiveness, non-violence through “turning the other cheek”, returning good for evil. These teachings are hard to accept and even harder to accomplish.

The Bible tells us that Christ’s followers will be known by their “fruit”. What “fruit” is our President to be known by?

Today, President George W. Bush spoke of sacrifice. Jesus is known to the world by His personal sacrifice. What sacrifice will George W. Bush be known for?

“Is the sacrifice worth it? It is worth it and it is vital to the security of our country,”

Who has made the sacrifice? Is there more or less hatred towards Americans today? Are Americans more secure today?

What message is the United States sending to the world? Is it Christ’s message? Jesus said we would be hated for His message. Are we hated in the world for Jesus message or George W. Bush’s. They are clearly not the same. I wish we were spreading Jesus’ message to the people of the world, including Iraq.

Is Christ’s message of love being spread in Iraq? Or is it the message of Pride, Arrogance and Greed?

What is the “fruit” of George W. Bush? What is his sacrifice? What is his message?

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

We, as a nation believe so strongly in our values that we wish to export them. Some of us even believe stongly enough to export these values by means of war.

Justice was a central theme of the founding of our nation. Among of the pillars of our nation are these Rights:

To due process (a trial)
A speedy trial
Innocence, until proven guilty

If we believe in these rights strongly enough to spread them to the rest of the world, why do we deny them to the prisoners of Guantánamo Bay? If these people are as bad as Vice President Cheney says they are, there should be lots of proof. Procecute them and sentence them according to their crimes. If there is no evidence, release them back to their families.

Or, if they are Prisoners of War, they should be given rights as such, according to the Geneva Convention. It is time for the United States act according to a higher standard, one agreed to by the civilized world.

Or, are we above that standard just like Nazis believed they were?

If we believe in our system, put faith in it. Do we believe in Justice?